Climb Mulhacen Sierra Nevada, highest mountain in Spain Charity Challenges for good causes! Looking for a charity fundraising challenge? Something different? Is climbing the biggest peak in Spain tough enough? 2 days year round staying overnight at the Refugio Poqueira. Group discounts and Charity discounts available. Photo Gallery Ski it! Mulhacen at 3482m is a magnificent ski touring peak in good snow conditions. From December to May inclusive we can offer ski descents of the peak. But, what descents are available and which are the best for backcountry skiing enthusiasts? As can be seen from our trail map on the right, there are options for all grades of skier. Easier ways for the beginner or for marginal snow conditions, and tougher runs for the more experienced on good days. Most 2 day ski tours will overnight either at the Refugio de Poqueira (guarded), or the Caldera refugio (unguarded), or even wild camp at Siete Lagunas. Descents are the interesting part of any ski tour.

Will it be a headlong, exhilarating dash down the mountainside on perfect snow or will we be getting exasperated with the changing crud, ice, breakable crust and slush? Will we be back at the hut in 20 minutes or in 90? Mulhacen has the ability to deliver all of these and more. Read detailed descriptions about the Backcountry Skiing Descents . Note. It goes without saying that on every ski tour axe, crampons and helmet should be carried and used if necessary! If you are planning your own trip to the Sierras then please contact us at Spanish Highs Mountain Guides. We can advise on current mountain and snow conditions, access points, route choice and even provide gear and equipment hire. How to ascend the mountain in a day in the summer without touching the same ground twice! From the Alpujarras to the south the ascent of Mulhacen, highest peak in mainland Spain can be done in a long day in the summer. But how can you make the round trip more interesting by traversing the mountain and not covering the same ground twice? Access Through the town of Lanjaron to Orgiva. Turn left before Orgiva towards Capileira and Trevelez.

After 20 mins you will enter a big gorge with 3 white villages high above the end of the valley. These villages are Pampaneira, Bubion and Capileira. Head round and up the gorge following the main road, passing through Pampaneira. Just 5 mins more and just before a petrol station turn left to Capileira. Keep following the road through Capileira and on up the hillside. In 5 mins you will pass horse riding stables. Immediately after take the right when the road forks. Follow this rough track for 15 mins. Park at the Forestry Station barrier and car park (1hr from Lanjaron). Ascent There is a well signposted track going up left of the forestry station. Head straight uphill through the forest on a marked and good track. This zig-zags uphill. When you leave the top end of the forest the path nearly meets a forest break (with a signpost beyond signalling the way to the Poqueira Hut) before zig zagging back right and upwards to reach the old road. Follow this.

2hrs after starting you will arrive at the Mirador de Trevelez (a nice place for a breakfast stop will be found 30m to the right by some rocks overlooking the town of Trevelez). Continuing on the old road for 400m, a faint track leaves the road heading rightwards. This is the main south ridge access track. Follow to the south summit and hence to the main summit (2.5 to 3hrs from Mirador de Trevelez). Descent From the summit drop 50m south to a point where 2 adjacent cairns mark the start of the west flank path. Follow the track west. This steepens until the full extent of the west flank is seen below. Great views to the Caldera and Veleta areas. This is an unrelenting descent of 500m in a series of steep zig-zags. But it is quick! You should be down at the old road in 40 minutes. Turn left (south) on the old road which passes over the "Paso de los Franceses" and eventually nears the Alto de Chorillo and the ascent route.

Some 400m before the Alto de Chorrillo bear right down over pathless terrain to meet the road that goes from the Poqueira hut to the Alto de Chorrillo. Then, at the first left hand bend in the track take the traverse path south. Follow this along the mountainside. It passes through a forested area before arriving at the forest break above the Hoya del Portillo. Follow the firebreak down. It is a bit rough, but no rougher than the slopes tackled previously. After 10 minutes you will see a small cairn on the left (looking down) that signifies a small path that enters the forest. Take this path. It is very faint in places but if you generally head a a descending traverse you are bound to reach the forest road or visitor car parks at the Hoya del Portillo. And that's it! A 24km walk up and down without ever having crossed the same tracks twice. It will take you between 7 and 9 hours with nearly 1200m of ascent. We have a Map and Google Earth Tour on our original blog article which will show you the route to be taken. There are links to altitude profiles and more mapping data.

What some clients have said Just wanted to say thanks for a brilliant holiday experience climbing Mulhacen. Fantastic guides and we really enjoyed the company and felt very safe at all times whilst doing the climb. It was lovely to meet you all as well. Did you get to ski off the top the following day? Lawrence and Sam Bradley Hey Richard! It was great to meet you! I will never forget the wonderful atmosphere, your bivouac shelter, your dogs, the icy cold, the tea from your friends that saved us, the light, the view of that morning! Now I am back in Switzerland but I already miss the Sierra Nevada! Stephie Mayer Thanks a lot Richard.. I will cherish my time in Sierra Nevada for many years to come. In terms of money, probably this is the best value for money I ever got. Some views were priceless and sliding down the snow ...:) Thanks again, hopefully will meet again. Wasim Haque The Spanish High Peak Challenge - Mulhacen - Powered by Eventzilla The Spanish High Peak Challenge - Mulhacen Multiple Dates Event details SPAIN - THE HIGH PEAK CHALLENGE - MULHACEN Trek to the summit of Mulhacen, at 3482m.

Mulhacen is the highest mountain in mainland Spain and the Iberian Peninsular. It is situated in the Sierra Nevada National Park which lies just south of the city of Granada and around 60 miles east of Malaga. Because of its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and its range of altitudes from 800m to 3482m, it has a range of climatic zones through the seasons from Mediterranean to Alpine. Dates: Thursday 18th - Sunday 21st August Thursday 8th - Sunday 11th September Trek to the summit of Mainland Spain’s Highest Peak; Experience the challenge of a life time without taking too much time away; Enjoy some of the most stunning views the Spanish Sierra Nevada has to offer. COSTS Please note the cost is for our full challenge management service as detailed on the event flyer downloadable from our website. Cost does not include flights or accommodation, however we can assist with sourcing these in conjucntion with travel agents we work with on a regular basis. See flyer downloadable from the website for full information.

Mountains in Spain - Spanish Mountains Mountains in Spain The highest mountain in the French Pyrenees is Mt Vignemale (3,298m). The highest mountain in Andorra is Coma Pedrosa (2,942m) The highest mountain in Portugal is in Malhão da Estrela (1,991 m) -Azores apart. Richard Ford, the 19th century traveller and first British hispanophile, jokingly said in 'Gatherings from Spain' that the country is just one big mountain. 24% is above 1000 m and 76% between 500 and 1000 m. Spain has an average altitude of 660 metres. In Europe only Switzerland is higher (by a long way - average altitude of 1,300 metres). So it should come as no surprise that Castilian is so rich in words for mountains, hills, cliffs and plateaus. Here's a by no means exhaustive list .

Of the 505,988 km2 of Spain , 57,615 km2 are below 200m, 156,370 km2 are between 201 and 600m, 198,650 km2 are between 601 and 1,000m, 88,766 km2 are between 1,000 and 2000m; and 4,587 km2 higher. Only 12% of mainland Spain lies at a gradient of less than 1 in 20 (5%). The Pyrenees have a maximum width of 130km, run 440 km and cover 55,375 km2. There are 212 peaks above 3,000 m. The highest peak in the Pyrenees is Aneto (3,404m) though until the early 19th century it was thought that Monte Perdido was higher. The largest surviving glacier is on Aneto.

It currently covers 163 ha, down from 692 at the end of the 19th century. See Pyrenean glaciers melting fast . The last glaciers disappeared in the Sierra Nevada in 1913 at Corral de la Veleta what was the southernmost glacier in Europe . Weirdly, Naranjo de Bulnes is exactly 88km from the nearest three provincial capitals: Oviedo, Santender and León. It is known as Naranjo (or Naranco) de Bulnes because of its orange hue in the evening light. The highest mountain in Picos de Europa is Torre Cerredo. They say the Picos get their name from the fact they were the first land to be spotted by sailors returning home from the Atlantic. A Biography of Spanish mountains Highest Mountains in Spain by province ANDALUCIA Length of mountain ranges in Spain and highest mountains Range (km) 3,482 Biography of Spanish mountains (IN PROGRESS) Almanzor : Almanzor (2,592m) in the Sierra de Gredos is the highest mountain in Sistema Central and the province of Ávila .

Formed during the Alpine Orogeny (mountian building), it formed principally of granite and so is not highly weathered. The peak is also known as Moro Almanzor, from Al-Mansur ('the victorious'), the de facto Moorish ruler of Al-Andalus during the late 10th-early 11th centuries. His rule marked what was probably the peak of Islamic power in Spain . Legend has it that Al-Mansur passed by here after a terrible battle with the Christians. He was taken by the beauty of the mountains which at the time functioned as a frontier between Islamic Spain and the Christian North, and so he decided to set up camp for the night. Under the stars, he was captivated by the stories of shepherds from the area. They told him than in the heart of these mountains, terrible noises could be heard that would echo along the gulleys and ravines, and which would shake the very hearts of the people of these parts. The next day, the Moorish king bade the shepherds to lead him to the place they spoke of: a magnificent cirque in centre of the Gredos mountains.

When the company reached the place, they were greeted by a deafening silence. Fearful of the King's reaction, they began to shout his name, which the duly returned amplified as an echo. External links: Ascensión de Alamanzor (Spanish) Aneto : the highest mountain in the Pyrenees at 3,404 metres is part of the Maladetta ridge. The Aneto glacier is still the largest in Spain with 163 ha. though it is melting fast due to climate change and is predicted to succumb by the mid-late 21st century. The glacier covered some 692 ha in 1894 at the close of the so-called Little Ice Age. Aneto's French name, Pic de Néthou, is in disuse as the mountain lies entirely within Spain, specifically in the province of Huesca in Aragon. First climbed in 1842 by a Russian named Chikhachev. See Pyrenean glaciers melting fast . Chullo : Chullo (2,609m) in the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada is the highest peak in the province of Almeria.

External links : Ascensión al Chullo Naranjo de Bulnes : Naranjo de Bulnes or Picu Urriellu as it is known in Asturias, is surely the most striking though not the highest mountain in the Picos de Europa. " Naranjo de Bulnes is a limestone horn of almost sheer walls which rises above the village of Bulnes to more than 2,500 metres. Its base resembles an immense chunk of bread. Until well into the spring its fissures and crags are adorned with blankets of snow. Climbing Picu Urriellu is extremely difficult, and although each of its faces has been conquered, it is still by far the Spanish mountain to have claimed most lives of climbers. Mountaineers employ the latest gear and methods to make its ascent. The sophistication of their equipment is incredible. However, as is often the case, the first climb was the simplest of all, and for that, the most incredible. A few photographs remain of the two participants.

The first to conquer Picu Urriellu was Pedro Pidal, the Marques of Villaviciosa, in the summer of 1904, at a time when the contemporary fashion of the sport added a certain charm to the life of an aristocrat. He was accompanied by Gregorio Pérez acting as a guide, a shepherd from the village of Cain, who was known as 'El Cainejo'. The gear of the two climbers was made up of a haversack with something to eat and a couple of ropes ... The Marques wore gaiters and hunting boots and El Cainejo, espadrilles ." (From Manuel de Lope 's Iberia: La Puerta Iluminada parte 1 - my rough and adapted translation) One is reminded of the colonial relationship of Sherpa Tenzing and Edmund Hillary. El Cainejo in his espadrilles accompanies the Marques in his boots. The Marques went on to play a pivotal role in Spanish natural history and conservation. Of El Cainejo, there is little more. He probably went back to his sheep and hunting deer, though there is a monument to him in Asturias.

Read complete article here Weirdly, Naranjo de Bulnes is exactly 88km from the nearest three provincial capitals: Oviedo, Santender and León. It is known as Naranjo (or Naranco) de Bulnes because of its orange hue in the evening light. The highest mountain in Picos de Europa is Torre Cerredo. They say the Picos get their name from the fact they were the first land to be spotted by sailors returning home from the Atlantic. Sierra Nevada (Spain) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage See[ edit ] The Sierra Nevada National Park (known as the Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada in Spanish) covers part of the Sierra Nevada range and has a number of interesting species of animals. Do[ edit ] Andaventur Granada Adventure Company . Outdoor sports in the Sierra Nevada National park and Granada province, tandem paraglider flights, canyoning, hiking, ski, rock climbing, horse riding.

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort (from Granada ring road follow the signs for Sierra Nevada; roughly 2hr drive from Malaga airport and 45min from Granada airport; buses available from Granada), ☎ +34 902 708 090 . Europe's most southern ski resort generally open for skiing and snowboarding from December until the end of April. The resort itself is built on a steep hillside and the base is at 2200m with the highest point at 3300m. There are 103km of pistes and the range of pistes go from a flat beginners area with a "magic carpet" through to Green, Blue, Red and Black. There is also a children's only area called the "Dream Land". Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, dogsledding, skating, spa. UKH Articles - Mulhacen - Winter on Mainland Spain's Highest Peak Mulhacen - Winter on Mainland Spain's Highest Peak by Michael Hunt Nov/2014 This article has been read 4,901 times At a lofty 3482m Mulhacen is the highest mountain in mainland Spain.

Apart from routes climbing its north face, Mulhacen is a walker's peak with mainly non-technical routes. Yet the Sierra Nevada are high serious mountains in winter, and although you can see the Mediterranean and the African coast on a clear day, they should not be underestimated. The area might best be described as like Cairngorm, plus altitude. That said it's sunny more often than not, and if you have the right skills, appropriate gear and a good weather forecast then you will be rewarded with some great mountain days. summit view from mulhacen © Joe-98, Feb 2014 There are five routes up Mulhacen that are accessible to walkers in winter, each of which is described below. All will require winter mountaineering experience and appropriate equipment. In addition the routes from Trevelez are long and tiring, and may need a night on the mountain depending on conditions. Once above the snowline expect the paths to be covered. There is almost no waymarking of paths in the Sierra Nevada, and few cairns. Good navigation is a key skill necessary for safe winter mountaineering. NB.

Please note the times given assume good conditions and do not allow for hours spent floundering about in deep snow. Conditions vary widely in winter and if you find yourself running out of time, be prepared to cut your route short. Mulhacen paths Mirador Trevelez from Hoya © Editorial Alpina "When snow falls in the Sierra Nevada it is usually accompanied by strong winds. The most reliable months for snow are December - April" Following the Rio Mulhacen © Michael Hunt 1. South Ridge from Hoya del Portillo (2100m) Occasionally the forest road is open to Hoya del Portillo from the village of Capileira (though normally blocked by snow). If this is the case, it is possible to ascend Mulhacen’s South Ridge and back in a long day if the conditions are good. Hoya del Portillo to Alto del Chorillo: 2.5 hours. Although open sided, there is a “visitor centre” at Hoya, which could provide shelter for a wild camp. Expect it to be cold. Initially take the path from Hoya through the forest to the fire break, then to the viewpoint of Puerto Molino.

Either take the ridge above or follow the dirt road to Mirador Trevelez and Alto del Chorrillo (2700m). Alto del Chorillo to Mulhacen Summit 2.5 hours: From Alto del Chorrillo take the easiest line up Mulhacen’s South Ridge unless the path is visible (expect it to be snow covered). You will eventually arrive at Mulhacen’s lower summit (3362m). Note the way back for your return. There is an emergency shelter, “The Machine Gun Post” about 400m up the ridge from the path junction that leads down to the Refugio Poqueira. It is marked by a prominent red and yellow post. There is a shovel tied to the post should you need to dig your way in! From Alto del Chorrillo it is about 2.5 Km (50 minutes) to the Refugio Poqueira. Some marker poles and a big cairn help mark the way.

Sierra Nevada: On the way up to the Poqueira Refuge below Mulhacen © Andy Say, Mar 2009 To the Refugio Poqueira 2500m for routes 2 and 3 It is possible to drive above the village of Capileira (1300m) to the deserted village of La Cebadilla (1500m). The road goes to a height of 1600m. If you do take this option be aware that after snow it is difficult for cars to get out. Starting from Capileira it is a pleasant walk of about an hour to La Cebadilla. From here there is some signposting past the hydro plant and along the west side of the valley. Eventually leave the valley heading for the summer farm called Cortijo de las Tomas. From here a steep climb of around 1hr 15 minutes leads to the Refugio. Around 5 hours in total from Capileira.

If the snow level is high enough it is possible to drive up the forest track above Capileira to an acequia at 1960m, the Acequia Alta (grid ref: 702 914), which can be followed to the Cortijo de las tomas before a final climb to the Refugio: 3 hours. A good weather forecast is required if you are leaving a car here. It is possible to ascend to the Refugio Poqueira from Trevelez by following route 4 to Alto del Chorrillo and picking up the path (some marker poles and a big cairn) heading north west. This route can be exposed in poor weather and is not so nice as the routes in from Capileira. Outside the Refugio Poqueira © Michael Hunt 2. South Ridge from Refugio Poqueira The South Ridge of Mulhacen, there and back, is the easiest option and given favourable conditions (no wind) and no navigation errors, it is a good walk. Some of the south ridge is usually clear of snow though crampons and an ice axe will be necessary for some slopes. After heavy snow, snow shoes may be required.

These are available for hire at The Refugio. Allow 1.25 hours from the Refugio to Alto del Chorrillo and 2.5 hours from there to the summit. Allow 3 hours for returning down the same route. 3. West Flank The ascent via the Rio Mulhacen (snow covered), to the Caldera and up Mulhacen’s West Flank is a more serious undertaking. Though only a walk, the consequences of a slip on the icy West Flank could be very serious. That said this ascent is a classic winter mountaineering route. 2.5 hours to the Caldera bivi refuge and 1.5 hours from there to the summit. Descent is usually via the south ridge to the Machine Gun Post before heading across to the big cairn and the Refugio. 7 to 8 hours in total. 4. South Ridge from Trevelez A steep path from Trevelez to Alto del Chorrillo which depending on the snow level can take from 3 to 4 hours with a further 2.5 hours to the summit (see route 1.) The path leaves Trevelez via Calle Charquillo in Bario Alto.

The descent to Siete Lagunas is a harder route, and a descent back down the south ridge is more straightforward. A long day. spindrift on siete lagunas, sierra nevada © Joe-98, Feb 2014 5. East Flank from Trevelez via Siete Lagunas It is a long slog up from Trevelez (1470m) to Siete Lagunas (2900m) and depending on conditions can take anything from 5 to 6 hours. The ascent of Mulhacen from there takes a further 2 hours. The summer path keeps well clear (to the south) of the exposed faces that are to your right (north) as you make this ascent. Navigation can be more complex on the upper section of this route. There is a natural shelter under a large boulder at Siete Lagunas, though this fills with snow. It is possible to camp here, though you will be on snow. The easiest descent back to Trevelez is easiest via Mulhacen’s South Ridge to Alto del Chorrillo and Mirador Trevelez. A very long day.

Lenticular cloud over the Sierra Nevada © andybirtwistle, Apr 2013 About Michael Hunt Michael Hunt is an International Mountain Leader and has been climbing and walking in the mountains for over 40 years. He is a former Vice President of the BMC and former Director of Mountain Training England. Together with his wife Jane (also an IML) they have been exploring the Sierra Nevada from their mountain cortijo situated at 1300m on the southern slopes of the range. Sierra Nevada Guides is a partnership between the three British IML's based in the Sierra Nevada (Michael and Jane along with Martin Riley). The Sierra Nevada Guides website contains a lot of useful information for anyone planning a trip to the area and we can always be contacted for any specific information. Mulhacen, Sierra Nevada - Spain SPAIN Hotels in Valencia Alhambra Palace hotel is set on the same hilltop as the palace, allowing you fantastic views over the city of Granada and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarras beyond. The entrance to the palace is found just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, through a pleasant wooded hillside.

Bookmark to your social network Ascent to the summit of Sierra Nevada - Mulhacen Sierra Nevada - Spain The most southerly European mountain range Sierra Nevada, is a rich land with lots of biological and landscape wealth in the form of 150 samples. Between Granada which is the province of Andalusia and Almeria we can see the highest peaks on the mainland. The old Moorish remains can be admire in the south of Las Alpujarras. Here we can find also great facilities of Lanjaron Spa and the highest towns in the whole Spain. For those who loves snow sports there is a lot of ski resorts also, for example Pradollano ski resort. In Pradollano ski resort we can enjoy in more than 65 kilometres of skiable inclines, there are also skating rinks and heated swimming-pools. The area is extremely massif and vast, it contains fifteen peaks which are all over 3.000 meters high. The highest summits on the mainland are Veleta (3.392 m), and Mulhacen (3.482 m).

Here the area is so high that snow is almost perpetual here, very beautiful are also many brooks, rivers and mountain streams that make the valleys and mounatin gorges green. The composition of the soil decisively above 2.000 meters influences a lot different plant formations in the region. Comparable to the ground, there are juniper or thyme bushes, juniper, pine groves, Savin junipers and padded brushwood. Weather conditions on 3.000 meters are adverse but those curcumstances give rise to a special high forming pastures and mountain flora. Here we can see a lot of species that occupy ledges and cracks in inhabited bottoms of the glacial cirques. Also very beautiful are many golden eagles that are supreme here, they are usually in a company with other smaller birds like larks and patridges. Other Nature Reserve where we can get greater insight into these spots, here we can also find some great views are Bubion, Trevelez, Capileira and Pampaneira.

From south slopes to the summit of Mulhacen There are many ways to get up Mulhacen, but you must remember, there are not allowed any cars and private vehicles in because the whole ara is a protected National Park. Twenty years ago you could drive your own car up to the top of nearby Veleta, and down the other side, although the higher roads were unsurfaced, and it wasn’t exactly encouraged. Now you can catch the bus which drive from the three villages of Poqueira Valley Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira. All three villages are also perfect origin for hiking and walking through Sierra Nevada. We arrived the first of three villages nestled against the steep slopes of the Pampaneira valley. The first village gave the valley its name, and was the tourist hot spot. Shops selling cured ham, ice creams and crafts lined the road and there was a greater sense of movement than I'd find in the villages above. Bubión was indeed quieter and I cannot remember much of it. Above, a few hundred metres higher was Capileira, with his white buildings.

On the top of Mulhacen Most of people do it like a one-day excursion, usually they took a bus to Alto del Chorrilo (2600 m), and the rest of the trip they are walking. But you can also drove your car right to the entrance to the National Park and then you can walk from here to the top of the mountain. This trip gaves you several more hours of walking. From the top of Mulhacen the views are truly amazeing and different in every direction. In the north we can see shallow glacial cuque with V-shaped valley which are looking towards Granada. Refugio Poqueira is a large mountain refuge similar to an Alpine hut. It is deep within the National Park, at 2.500 metres situated 1000m directly below Mulhacen peak and provides up to 90 beds for walkers, climbers and skiers. The views from the top are truly breathtaking, and different in each direction. The North Face is a sheer cliff, which funnels into a shallow glacial cirque, with a steep-sided V-shaped valley heading off to the north-west towards Granada and its Vega.

This cliff curves round to the west, where it gives way to a long narrow ridge leading to the Veleta peak; to the east there is a succession of rounded peaks separated by the major Alpujarra valleys, and to the south a much gentler incline leads back down to the Upper Poqueira Valley - this is the route we had come up by. Descent from Mulhacen Coming down from the top of Mulhacen to the barrier and park place was long way. Downhill from the top of Mulhacen is exhausting. Four hours of walking on the broken path and road is a difficult burden for a leg and specific for the knees. Despite the effort the view to the surrounding area and valley inspires us .Finally we reach the parking area in front of the barrier to the national park. We had only one in our mind, as soon as possible drive to the valley, to the coast and beaches of Costa tropical and dip our feet in warm water of mediteranian sea.

Flora of Sierra Nevada Mulhacén : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost Summit of Mulhacén Mulhacén, with 3.482 meters, is the highest mountain of the Iberian Peninsula and, therefore, of Spanish mainland. In fact Mulhacén is 78 meters than the highest mountain of the Pyreneeës, the Aneto. The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea makes the situation of this mountain (and of the whole range) very special. On a clear day one can see as far as the Rif mountains, in Morocco and half Andalusie. The mountain offers two different approaches for all its visitors. To the south, its huge southern slope has the shape of a convexe half pipe that rises slowly and progressively till the summit. To the north there is an steep and lightly concave face of rock (and snow and ice in the winter).

Mulhacén gives the chance to climb it to all kind of mountaineers: the walkers can choose to hike the mountain up over the friendly south slope (called 'loma' in Spanish) and the experienced climbers can choose one of the difficult lines of its north iced face to reach the geodesic vertix at the very top. This all makes Mulhacén a very attractive mountain: high, alpine in winter, easy to climb for even the average walker (specially in the summer), challenging for the experienced alpinist, and in the heart of a mountanious range, Sierra Nevada, a National Park full of beauty and experiences. Next to this, its climb can be combined with excellent walks to nearby mountains and valles. Routes Overview Climbing on the North Colouir There are several routes on Mulhacén: - Over the south slope: This is the shortest route to the top - Over the west slope: this route is known as the 'normal' and it involves a long approach over the south slope, walking next to the ravine of the Poqueira river and a finally ascending over the steeper west slope.

- Over the 'Loma del Resuello': this involves an approach till the 'Cañada de las Siete Lagunas' -starting from the village of Trevélez- and a push up to the top over the eastern end of the wide south slope (known as 'Loma del Resuello') - Over the east face: directly from the 'Cañada de las Siete Lagunas' the top can be reached climbing on the SE slopes or, steeper over the real east face (called 'Raspa del Tanto'). - Over the north face: here there are many lines starting from the 'Hoya de la Mosca'. The most known is the 'Canuto Central', a 300 line of snow, ice and rock, which has three different exit lines near the top. Getting to the mountain West slopes of Mulhacén AIRPORTS The closest big city to the mountain is Granada. It has a small international airport. Nevertheless, the biggest international airport in the area is the one of Málaga, which receives many flights a day from all over Europe. Málaga is about 1 hour and 45 minutes away by road from Granada.

BUSSES From both airports there are regular bus services which connect them to the cities. The airport of Granada is, then, connected to the city of Granada. When landing in Málaga, there is a bus from the airport (of Málaga) to the city center (Málaga) and at this place (the central bus station of Málaga) travellers can continue with another bus which drives directly to Granada city. Alsa company of busses has a direct service of shuttle-bus which connects Málaga airport with Granada center (bus station). From Granada this service goes directly to the airport of Málaga too. Once in Granada there are many busses which ride to the ski-station of Pradollano (one of the 'entrances' of Sierra Nevada range), or to the Alpujarras, the region at the southern slopes of the 'sierra', where are many of the villages from where the routes into the mountain start. The most useful final destinations in the Alpujarras region when wanting to climb Mulhacén are Capileira or Trevélez, both idillic mountain villages which are a good start for the mountain.

Camps & Huts Mulhacén is in the heart of a National Park. Camping is forbiden. Nevertheless, there are two possibilities to pitch a tent in the mountain: 1. for bivouac: visitors are allowed to set a tent one hour before sunset to pass the night, but this tent has to be taken away in the morning (with the limit of one hour after sunrise). 2. standing during the day: visitor who want to leave a 'permanent' tent in the park have to ask an special permission to the park authorities. This permissión allows a tent to stand on a place with some limitations. Next to that, there is a poor network of huts in the park. Mulhacén has a base guarded hut that is used as base for the mountain. It's the Refugio de Poqueira , at an altitude of 2.500 meters.

Next to that hut there are two other non-guarded huts in the surrondings: - Refugio de la Caldera (3.000 m), in the Hoya de la Caldera, at the base of the west face - Villavientos (3.100 m), at the southern slopes of Loma Pelada, a neigthbour mountian of Mulhacén, and very close to the 'Hoya de la Caldera' and the west face Links Spain Spain Official name: Kingdom of Spain Area: 504,782 square kilometers (194,897 square miles) Highest point on mainland: Mulhacén Peak (3,478 meters/11,411 feet) Highest point in territory: Teide Peak (3,718 meters/12,198 feet), located on Tenerife Island Lowest point on land: Sea level Hemispheres: Northern and Western P.M.

= noon GMT Longest distances: 1,085 kilometers (764 miles) from east to west; 950 kilometers (590 miles) from north to south Land boundaries: 1,918 kilometers (1,192 miles) total boundary length; Andorra 64 kilometers (40 miles); France 623 kilometers (387 miles); Gibraltar 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles); Morocco 16 kilometers (10 miles), Portugal 1,214 kilometers (754 miles) Coastline: Total: 4,964 kilometers (3,084 miles); Mediterranean Sea 1,670 kilometers (1,038 miles); Atlantic and Bay of Biscay 2,234 kilometers (1,388 miles) Territorial sea limits: 22 kilometers (12 nautical miles) 1 LOCATION AND SIZE The mainland of Spain covers most of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe and shares borders with France, Andorra, and Portugal.

The country has northern and western coasts along the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay and an eastern coast along the Mediterranean Sea. With a total area of about 504,782 square kilometers (194,897 square miles), the country is slightly more than twice the size of the state of Oregon. Spain is administratively divided into seventeen autonomous communities. 2 TERRITORIES AND DEPENDENCIES Spain controls "places of sovereignty" ( plazas de soberania ) on and off the coast of Morocco: the coastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, although Morocco contests these territorial claims; and the Alhucemas and Chafarinas Islands. Spain also administers the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands in the Atlantic. Finally, Spain continues to have a centuries-old dispute with the United Kingdom over Gibraltar, a small enclave to the south of Spain. 3 CLIMATE Daytime summer temperatures in Spain can reach 35°C to 39°C (95°F to 102°F) in the northern Meseta and are even hotter in the south. Temperatures of 43°C (109°F) have been recorded in the Ebro basin.

Nights are significantly cooler. The climate is more moderate in the northern Atlantic maritime region. In the Mediterranean region, winter temperatures average between 10°C and 13°C (50°F and 55°F) and summer temperatures average between 22°C and 27°C (72°F and 81°F). Rainfall is highly irregular, but annual averages usually fall between 30 and 50 centimeters (12 and 20 inches). The northern Meseta enjoys two rainy seasons: from April to June and from October to November. In the southern Meseta, the spring rainy season begins in March and is wetter than the fall. The maritime northwest receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest season from October through December. The Mediterranean region receives the least rainfall, with most of its precipitation occurring in the fall and winter. 4 TOPOGRAPHIC REGIONS Overall, Spain's terrain is mountainous, with major ranges running throughout the country. The Pyrenees system is particularly noteworthy. One of Europe's most effective natural boundaries, the highest terrain of the main portion of this range marks Spain's border with France. The tiny nation of Andorra is also located there.

Most of the level land in Spain is situated in river valleys, along the coast, or on the Meseta Central (Central Mesa), the large plateau at the center of the country. Topographically, Spain is divided into four parts: the temperate region in the north and northwest, the marginal mountain ranges, the Meseta Central and the surrounding interior region, and the coastal areas. The boundaries between regions are far from clear-cut, however. The temperate region, for example, includes significant portions of the mountains and coastal areas. The Meseta Central contains two large, low-lying river valleys and is traversed by several major mountain systems. 5 OCEANS AND SEAS Seacoast and Undersea Features The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west of Spain. The Bay of Biscay, an arm of the Atlantic, runs along the northern coastline. The Mediterranean Sea lines the eastern and southern borders of Spain. The Mediterranean Sea is an almost completely landlocked body of water situated between southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwest Asia. It links to the Atlantic Ocean at its western point through the Strait of Gibraltar, and to the Red Sea at its southeastern shore though the Suez Canal.

The Mediterranean also connects to the Black Sea in the northeast through the Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosporus. The Balearic Sea, an arm of the Mediterranean, lies at the northeast coast of Spain, separating the mainland from the Balearic Islands. Sea Inlets and Straits The Gulf of Cádiz, at the southwest coast of Spain, is an extension of the Atlantic Ocean. The narrow Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea. The Gulf of Valencia is an inlet of the Balearic Sea. Islands and Archipelagos The Balearic Islands are an extension of the Baetic Cordillera, which stretches across the southern border of Spain and reaches underwater into the Mediterranean. The major islands of the archipelago are Majorca, Miñorca, and Ibiza, with Majorca by far the largest. Formentera and Cabrera are smaller islands within the Balearics. All of the islands are mountainous. DID YOU KNOW? The Rock of Gibraltar is part of a peninsula that juts out from the south-central coast of Spain into the Mediterranean Sea near the Strait of Gibraltar.

The rock contains a number of limestone caves and a long tunnel that have been used for shelter and defense. A large number of archaeological finds have been uncovered in the caves. The Rock of Gibraltar was once known as one of the Pillars of Hercules, which stand at either end of the Strait of Gibraltar. The other pillars are Mount Acha in Ceuta and Jebel Musa (west of Ceuta), which are also sometimes called the Gates of Hercules. Though the area has been under British rule since 1704 after the War of Spanish Succession, the Spanish government continues to work toward regaining the territory. The Canary Islands are an archipelago of ten volcanic islands in the North Atlantic not far from Africa, about 1,324 kilometers (823 miles) southwest of mainland Spain. They have been a possession of Spain for centuries and thus are considered a part of the country. Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria are the largest of the Canaries. La Palma, Gomera, Hierro, Graciosa, Lobos, and Alegranza make up the rest of the archipelago.

The islands are predominantly mountainous and Teide Peak (3,718 meters/12,198 feet) on Tenerife is Spain's tallest mountain. Coastal Features The northern coast extends about 724 kilometers (450 miles) from France to the northwestern corner of the country. The Cantabrian Mountains are never far from the shore in this region and the coast is generally even, marked only by occasional river estuaries. The largest of these, the Betanzas Estuary and Arosa Estuary, are in the extreme northwest on the Atlantic Ocean. Spain's tourism thrives on the beauty of its sun-drenched southern beaches. In fact, the southern Atlantic coast is called Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) because of its bright sunshine. At the Strait of Gibraltar is Point Tarifa, the southernmost point in Europe. East of this is the narrow Costa del Sol (Sun Coast), which extends to Cape Gata (Cabo de Gata). The Costa Blanca, from Cape Gata to Cape Nao (Cabo de la Nao), has white and sunny beaches facing the warm Mediterranean Sea. Cape Palos forms the Menor Lagoon along this coastline.

6 INLAND LAKES Most of the larger lakes in Spain are formed along the courses of the rivers. The most significant, however, are man-made reservoirs. 7 RIVERS AND WATERFALLS Spain has some eighteen hundred rivers and streams, of which only the Tagus (Río Tajo) is longer than 965 kilometers (600 miles). Only ninety of these rivers are longer than 97 kilometers (60 miles). The Tagus, Duero, Guadiana, and the Guadalquivir all have their sources in the center of the country and drain to the west, into the Atlantic Ocean. The Ebro rises in the north and runs southeast between the Pyrenees and the Iberian Cordillera into the Mediterranean. The Júcar, whose source lies in the southern Iberian Cordillera, also flows into the Mediterranean. The mountain rivers in the north all have short courses, owing to the nearness of their sources to the sea. Those in the northwest are the longest, particularly the Miño (Minho). Many of them encounter the sea through deep estuaries, similar to fjords, which extend from the mountains to the sea.

Owing to scant and unpredictable rain, many of Spain's lesser riverbeds are dry most of the year. All of the Meseta Central's rivers are sluggish most of the year, except for a few days each spring and fall when raging waters fill the riverbeds. Even the Tagus, the largest of the three, is variable in its volume of water. The Miño carries a volume of water equal to or greater than that of the Ebro, although the Miño's course is less than half as long and its basin covers only about a fifth as much area. South of the Meseta and the Sierra Morena, and draining most of the Andalusian Plain, the Guadalquivir is the country's most consistent and valuable river; Spain's only major river port, Seville (Sevilla), is located on it. The delta of the Guadalquivir is marshy and frequently saline. 8 DESERTS Except in the north and northwest, the Meseta Central is substantially denuded and desert-like. Scrub growth has replaced forests. Portions of the Mediterranean region are dry and desolate, especially the Baetic Cordillera, which receives dry, hot winds from the east or southeast originating over North Africa.

9 FLAT AND ROLLING TERRAIN Grasslands are sparse in Spain due to its semi-arid climate and are found primarily in the valleys of the major rivers. The Andalusian Plain, in the valley of the Guadalquivir, is the largest and most important of these. It is the best farmland in the country and the only low-lying area that permits easy entry from the sea. The La Mancha Plain is found near the Guadiana River. Grasses also cover parts of the Meseta Central and the high Sierra Nevada. The land between the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Mountains is hilly, with an average elevation of 610 meters (2,000 feet). This verdant region is fairly broad in the west, but it becomes narrower in the east, where it is confined to the ocean-side slopes of the mountains. 10 MOUNTAINS AND VOLCANOES The Pyrenees Mountains extend across the country between the Bay of Biscay and the Balearic Sea, a distance of about 418 kilometers (260 miles).

Their width averages 80 kilometers (50 miles), with a maximum of 129 kilometers (80 miles). The French-Spanish border runs through these mountains, connecting six of the highest peaks. On the Spanish side, three of these peaks exceed 3,353 meters (11,000 feet); Aneto Peak, the highest of these, reaches an altitude of 3,403 meters (11,165 feet). The Pyrenees summits are very steep and rugged with few passes. In the north, the Cantabrian Mountains (Cordillera Cantábrica) extend across the country parallel to, and in some places adjacent to, the Bay of Biscay. There are drops exceeding 1,524 meters (5,000 feet) within 20 miles (32 kilometers) of the shore. Generally, peaks in the Cantabrian Mountains range from 2,133 to 2,938 meters (7,000 to 8,000 feet).

The Iberian Cordillera (Sistema Ibérico) extend southeast from the center of the Canta-brian Mountains, reaching nearly to the Mediterranean coast. This region's 20,725 square kilometers (8,000 square miles) are covered with barren and rugged terrain. The Spanish call it the "area of difficulty." It separates the Meseta Central from the northeastern river valleys. The Baetic Cordillera (Sistema Penibético, sometimes called the Andalusian Mountains) of southwestern Spain extend from Cape Nao to Gibraltar, a distance of some 579 kilometers (360 miles). The most impressive part of this range is that which is closest to the coast, the Sierra Nevada; much of it is desolate, however. Its 3,478-meter (11,411-feet) peak, Mulhacén, is the highest point on the Iberian Peninsula. The coastal Sierra Nevada is separated from a sister range in the north by a geological fault line that runs roughly parallel to the shore. The northern range is equally forbidding, with the exception of a few exotic places, such as Granada.

Further north is the Sierra Morena, a lower chain with elevations between 152 and 610 meters (500 and 2,000 feet). DID YOU KNOW? The Iberian Peninsula contains only two countries: Spain and Portugal. It is a botanical crossroads between Africa and Europe, with more than eight thousand species of plants. 11 CANYONS AND CAVES Although there are many caves in Spain, one of the most interesting is the Altamira Cave. Altamira has been called the "Sistine Chapel of Paleolithic Art." The main hall of the cave, which measures about 18 meters by 9 meters (59 feet by 30 feet), features paintings on the ceiling that are about fifteen thousand years old. Most of the figures are animals, such as bison, horses, and wild boars, along with a few anthropomorphic figures (human-like creatures with animal features). The paintings are remarkably detailed, with various brush-strokes providing a sense of texture and realism. The artists depicted most of the animals poised in the midst of movement, and they painted with only three colors: ochre (yellowish-brown), red, and black.

Because the paintings deteriorate when exposed to the carbon dioxide which is exhaled by tourists, a limited number of people are allowed to visit the cave. A nearby museum contains an exact replica, however. UNESCO has designated Altamira Cave as a World Heritage Site. The Sierra de Guara Canyons, located in the Spanish Pyrenees, are popular sites for climbing and canyoning enthusiasts. The area includes nearly sixty limestone canyons that contain stunning rock formations and views. The Guayadeque Gorge, located on Gran Canaria Island of the Canary Islands, is a spectacular canyon that stretches halfway across the island. The canyon contains the Purple Caves (Cuevas Bermejas), some of which are still inhabited by humans. 12 PLATEAUS AND MONOLITHS The Meseta Central, the vast Spanish tableland, dominates central Spain from the Cantabrian Mountains in the north to the Sierra Morena in the south and from the Portuguese border in the west to the Iberian Cordillera in the east. Generally, the Meseta varies in elevations between 610 and 762 meters (2,000 and 2,500 feet), except in the river valleys.

It also contains many small mountain ranges, however; two of these are the Toledo Mountains and the Cordillera Carpetovetonica, the latter of which reaches 2,591 meters (8,500 feet). In general, the Meseta gives way to higher land in the western part of the country between the basins of its three largest rivers. The El Torcal de Antequera, located in the southern hill regions, contains a number of limestone rock formations resembling towers, sculpted figures of various shapes and sizes, and even some dramatic balancing rocks. The rock sculptures were formed primarily by erosion. 13 MAN-MADE FEATURES There are about twelve hundred dams located along the rivers of Spain. They have been constructed for irrigation, hydropower, and water supply storage. The Alcantara Reservoir, located on the Tagus River, is one of the largest in Western Europe. 14 FURTHER READING

Question: Mulhacen, the highest peak on mainland Spain, lies in which range?
Answer: SIERRA NEVADA